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Topic Review (Newest First)

01-01-2004 04:44 PM

jbanta

Restricted maneuverability

I agree with the order but you also left out a very important part of colision avoidence..

ALL other captians CAN see you They know you there... They WANT to KILL you. You have to at least make it hard for them...

Jim
Aboard the Argo

12-31-2003 06:09 PM

Bermuda

Restricted maneuverability

You have actually left out quite a few, but I am not trying to be an adversary to prove you wrong but the following is the proper pecking order

Overtaken
Not Under Command
Restricted in Ability to Maneuver
Constrained by Draft (International only)
Fishing (Commercial)
Sail
Power
Seaplane

Capt Bruce

12-31-2003 12:59 PM

pirateofcapeann

Restricted maneuverability

Hey, Bermuda. Last I checked, there are only 5 levels in the “pecking order”. Rule 18 lists them as”

1) A vessel not under command
2) A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver
3) A vessel engaged in fishing
4) A sailing vessel
5) A power-driven vessel

Where did you come up with the sixth? And, of course, Tom’s research vessel would fall under number 2 while she’s working,

Of course there’s the “Marblehead” rule, also known as “The Golden Rule” which states that “the one with most gold makes the rules”.

Okay, prove me wrong!

12-30-2003 07:10 PM

Bermuda

Restricted maneuverability

I too am a USCG licensed Master, mostly in sailboats for 51 years and would like to add to Duane''s comment. Sailboats are actually 6th in the pecking order of right of way.

Captain Tom''s Hydrographic boat is third in the pecking order although when being overtaken he is upgraded to number one.

Capt. Bruce
http://boatskipper.com

12-19-2003 12:38 PM

Tom7122

Restricted maneuverability

You have brought up a very good question. Most USACE survey vessels are doing single beam surveys, and many are using multibeam gear. The multibeam units are generally fixed with a device under the hull, or over the side. That poses no problems. However, some vessels are towing a towfish connected by heavy cable astern. They are usually a few feet above the bottom, but not always. These vessels will generally be running with the channel along it''s length as turning is extremely limited. NOAA does a lot of sidescan work with a towfish astern. Their surveys include areas outside channels so that charts can be undated. We use one too, but it''s used mostly to locate underwater obstructions. Most single beam surveys involve running survey lines back and forth across the channel and beyond the edge of the channel about 200 feet. Multibeam also involves running a fixed course, but along the length of the channel including edges, centerline, and a few in between. It also requires strict tolerance in regard to speed and bearings. The best and safest thing to do is call a survey vessel on Channel 13, and if no reply, Channel 16. That takes the guesswork out of maneuvering.

12-16-2003 04:53 AM

DuaneIsing

Restricted maneuverability

As much as I like to think that sailors have more seamanlike qualities than the average boater, it amazes me how many people in sailboats think that sail has the "right-of-way" over power in all circumstances.

Thanks for the post.

Duane

12-14-2003 07:29 PM

paulk

Restricted maneuverability

It is nice to hear from the U.S.A.C.O.E. and to see the Captain''s professional, courteous and informative post.

12-14-2003 03:03 PM

pirateofcapeann

Restricted maneuverability

You mention to “pass astern” of a survey vessel. Perhaps, as the skipper of one you could answer a question. Understanding that survey vessels oftentimes are trawling sensitive and expensive gear in their wake, I’m wondering if you could suggest a “general rule of thumb” as to how far behind these vessels one should be when crossing their wake? I understand that “Towed Arrays” for sonar and the like may be set quite far astern, out of the turbulent prop-wash. It may be that they will be set deep as well and would pose no danger to me as I pass over, but I really don’t know. I sail in New England waters and it seems that as our government wants exacting surveys of the fishing grounds off our shores, our meetings are by more then chance. Thanks!

12-13-2003 12:16 PM

Jeff_H

Restricted maneuverability

Tom,

Thank you for that helpful reminder.

Respectfully,
Jeff

12-13-2003 12:16 PM

jbanta

Restricted maneuverability

Thanks for the reminder it''s good to hear some someone from the other side of boating from time to time lest we forget and do stupid thing that can cause damage to ourselves or others. Boat will always have a element of danger, might not be fun if it didn''t, but we can still lessen that danger by following a few simple rules.. Thanks again for your input..

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